Tasmania is leading the way with innovation and initiatives in managing drainage and run-off from mine operations, and this will be enhanced with the release of a new industry guide.
The new Good Practice Guide for Management of Acid and Metalliferous Drainage in Tasmania, and the commitment of industry to follow these high standards, is part of the Tasmanian Government’s plan to reduce the environmental impacts associated with this key industry and protect the sustainability of our natural assets.
This guide has been developed over two years as part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s $1m Mining Sector Innovation Program by Mineral Resources Tasmania in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority, the Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (CODES) at the University of Tasmania, and industry participants including the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council.
It will help industry uphold and improve on best practice in the prevention, detection and management of acid and metalliferous drainage from mine sites and provides an agreed set of benchmarks.
The mining sector contributes almost $3 billion to the Tasmanian economy each year, accounts for 55 per cent of our mercantile exports (more than $2 billion) and supports more than 5,600 Tasmanian jobs, mostly in regional areas.
It is an important sector for our state and it has a vital role to play in maintaining the environment we value so highly – we commend the industry’s commitment to continual improvement and social responsibility.
The Good Practice Guide for Management of Acid and Metalliferous Drainage in Tasmania is available from the Mineral Resources Tasmania website.